As the weather warms, many people are beginning to worry about spring allergies. In fact, according to the CDC , over 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 4 children suffer from seasonal allergies. Unfortunately, the last few years’ allergy seasons have hit hard, causing around 3.8 million missed work and school days annually. The simple explanation is that the warming climate is contributing to an allergy season that lasts longer and causes more severe symptoms. We spoke with Dr. Neelu Tummala, a clinical assistant professor of otolaryngology at NYU Langone Health, about why the climate matters for health and what we can do to make it through this allergy season.

Q: How is climate change influencing our health? 

The better question is how climate change is not impacting our health, because we know its impact is extensive. To begin with, global warming is causing more extreme heat days and worsening other weather events like tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. Many of these extreme weather events can exacerbate health conditions and cause other health problems. For instance, extreme heat can increase the risk of heart disease and cause respiratory health complications. It can also impact mental health, including causing worsening anxiety, depression and agitation that leads to interpersonal violence.

Unfortunately, these weather events are becoming more frequent and more powerful. Worsening hurricanes and the associated flooding increase the risk of mold growth. Mold spores are a common allergen for many people and can occur at any time of year. Global warming is also increasing the spread of certain types of infectious diseases.

The changes in temperature and precipitation patterns across the U.S. caused by global warming specifically impact pollen allergies in a variety of ways. Since the weather year-round is warmer, with 2024 being the hottest on record, the freeze-free season is longer. The ground thaws earlier in the spring, so this allows trees to grow and pollen to be introduced earlier in the year. This pollen also lasts later in the fall because the ground hasn’t frozen. What this all contributes to is a lengthening of the pollen allergy season. Research has shown that, on average, the pollen season is approximately three weeks longer now in the U.S. than compared to 50 years ago.

Additionally, increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is a major greenhouse gas causing climate change, is contributing to an increase in the amount of pollen produced. On average, plants and trees produce about 20% more pollen as compared to 50 years ago. Because of these changes, pollen allergy symptoms are likely to appear earlier in the year and be more severe. Sneezing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and itchy, watery eyes are common symptoms for allergy sufferers.

Q: Why are some people experiencing allergies for the first time? 

If you move to a new area, you may be impacted by new types of vegetation that grow in that environment. For some people who are experiencing new onset allergies, it is because changes in temperature and precipitation patterns allow plants and trees to grow in places they didn’t before. So even if you haven’t moved, you may be exposed to new types of pollen that you previously hadn’t encountered.

Q: What happens to your body when you encounter an allergen, like pollen?

When people who are allergic breathe in pollen, it triggers an inflammatory response. Some of the consequences of this inflammation include nasal congestion, nasal drainage, and sneezing. The inflammatory response in the nose causes the mucus membranes to become swollen, making it harder to breathe, and causes increased mucus production.

Q: Who is most at risk during allergy season? 

Climate change is negatively impacting everyone’s health, so everyone is at risk. But those with allergies to pollen or mold may find their symptoms more severe this season. This is a big concern for anyone with a chronic lung disease like asthma or COPD. For these individuals, allergens can cause inflammation in the nose, throat and the entire respiratory pathway, putting them at high risk for an exacerbation.

Q: How can we prevent or minimize the effects of allergies? 

Allergy symptoms have a huge impact on quality of life; they can disrupt sleep quality and contribute to brain fog and inability to focus. These symptoms are particularly frustrating for children who can become distracted and uncomfortable at school. So, learning how to control symptoms as much as possible is really important.

One thing I sometimes suggest to my patients is to adjust the timing of when they begin taking allergy medication. Some medicines, like oral antihistamines, will work right away. But other medicines, especially intranasal steroid sprays, can take about two weeks of use before they are optimally effective. Beginning your nasal regimen a few weeks before allergy season can help ensure optimum symptom control. If your allergy symptoms are not well controlled with your current medication regiment, you need to talk to your healthcare provider and explain any problems you are experiencing so they can adjust your medications.

Everyone should check pollen levels before they go outside and try to avoid times when pollen levels are at their peak. After being outside and coming back indoors, changing your clothes or taking a bath can help minimize continued pollen exposure. You should also consider giving your pet a bath if they spend time outdoors during high pollen days. If mold is an issue, try to minimize exposure and make sure you are cleaning and fully drying any problem areas.

The bigger picture is that global warming is happening, and extreme weather events are expected to increase so we need to do whatever we can to stop it. There are a lot of things we can do in our communities to try and encourage change, by decreasing waste and lowering the amount of energy used from fossil fuels. Simple changes like eating less meat, using public transportation and buying less stuff is helpful in minimizing harmful emissions contributing to global warming. On a larger scale, it is helpful to reach out to your elected officials in support of legislation that moves our economy toward clean energy options.

Learn more about how you can decrease the effects of climate change and global warming.